Ingredients
- 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 160ml (2/3 cup) light corn syrup
- 60ml (1/4 cup) water
- 120g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Base
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Hard Candy Stage
For hard candies like lollipops, allow the sugar mixture to reach 150°C (302°F), the hard crack stage. At this point, drop a small amount into the ice water—it should harden immediately and break with a snap. Carefully pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking tray, allowing it to cool completely before breaking into the desired shapes.
Step 3: Soft Ball Stage
To make soft candies such as marshmallows, heat the sugar mixture to 116°C (241°F). Drop a little of the mixture into the ice water; it should form a soft, flexible ball. Remove from heat and proceed with additional steps specific to your desired candy (e.g., whipping for marshmallows).
Step 4: Chewy Candy Stage
To achieve a chewy consistency for caramels, add the butter and heavy cream to the sugar mixture once it reaches the soft ball stage. Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 121°C (250°F), the firm ball stage. This temperature ensures a perfect chew. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt before pouring into a lined pan to set before cutting into squares.
Conclusion
Mastering the delicate balance of temperature in candy-making empowers you to craft candies of varying textures—each requiring unique precision and care. Whether you’re creating the glassy crunch of a hard candy, the gentle chew of a caramel, or the pillowy softness of a marshmallow, understanding these temperature stages is essential. As you practice and experiment, you’ll find these techniques open a world of sweet creativity, transforming simple ingredients into delightful confections that captivate the senses. Happy candy-making!
